My Camera Equipment

Hey guys!

This is a list I’ve put together (and will probably add to in the future) of the stuff I have in my camera bag. Photography is a hobby of mine and I’m always learning and trying to improve. I hope this list helps you out if you’re looking to get into photography or just want some equipment ideas.

Canon Rebel T5i

This was my first DSLR and it’s a great choice when you’re ready to start learning more about photography. Canon is very user-friendly (in my opinion) and personally I’d choose a Canon as a starter over a Nikon (I’ve had both) simply because I think it’s the easier camera to use when you’re starting to learn photography.

The Canon Rebel is also very reasonably priced so it doesn’t require investing thousands of dollars to get started learning to shoot on a DSLR.

Click the pic for more specs

Canon 70D

This is my camera now (2016) and I looooooove it.

It has a touchscreen on the back that lets you change settings just by touch, and even take a photo with the touch-focus feature, along with tons of other great features like the 19-pt auto focus capability. And the pictures is takes are sooooo pretty. Lots of photos on this site are taken using my 70D.

For more specs click the pic

Canon 55-250mm EF-S Lens STM with Image Stabilization

I bought my Canon 70D with this lens included, but you can always buy it separately, and there is reason to get it even if you already have a zoom lens.

1. Image stabilization (IS) really helps when you’re using a bigger zoom lens. It helps keep your pictures sharp despite the extra weight of the lens, and is especially helpful if you have shaky hands.
2. STM is the new motor that Canon has added to some of its newer lenses. It’s quieter and smoother, which is especially important when talking about autofocus while you’re shooting video.

For more specs click the pic

Canon EF-S 18-55mm Lens STM with Image Stabilization

This is the standard lens that comes with your camera (unless you buy just the body) and this is the newer version which has both the STM (the new quieter, smoother motor for video) and image stabilization.

For more specs click the pic

Tamron 18-270mm all purpose lens

This is the lens I use when I don’t have time to switch between the other 2 (18-55mm & 55-250mm) and it goes a little further than the standard 55-250mm zoom. It’s a good all-purpose lens to use when you’re on the move.

For more specs click the pic

A Couple Batteries

I always carry at least 2 camera batteries with me. There are few situations as disappointing as when you have a really awesome picture to take but your camera dies.

Make sure you get the right batteries for your camera!

Click the pic to choose the right batteries

Tripods

Zomei Tripod

I bought this tripod because I was looking for something lightweight that wouldn’t be a pain to carry around, and this totally does the trick. It’s small and light (I think it weighs like 5 pounds total? Maybe less?) and I take it whenever I think I might need to use a slower shutter speed.

Camera Bags

Ok so I cannot get enough camera/travel bags. It’s a problem, guys. These are my favorites so far.

My Paranoid bag

I call this my paranoid bag, because when it comes to my camera stuff I am totally paranoid.

My paranoid bag

I love the overall look of this bag, and it’s bigger, with a bottom compartment for the camera and lenses, a top compartment with several little pockets for extras, a large pocket on the back that will fit a laptop, plus several pockets on the outside. The thing that really sold this for me though was how difficult it is to get to the pockets without being noticed.

I always feel wary of using a backpack when I’m traveling or in crowded places because it can be way too easy to open the zippers, but this has velcro flaps over the zippered pockets, making a lot of extra (noisy) work for anyone who tries.

The 2 bags below are both by Tamrac, which just happens to be a company that makes rad camera bags. You can check em’ out here.

The small basic (Tamrac Jazz iPad/Photo Backpack)

I really like this bag. I use it as my carryon on planes all the time, because HELL NO I’m not checking my camera equipment.

It has a front pocket that’s big enough for my ipad (which is really all you need on a flight) plus my passport, wallet, earphones, and a snack. It’s seriously compact, but can still fit several pieces of camera equipment. It’s awesome for hiking, biking, or whatever other outdoorsy things you do.

The small basic

Small fry (Tamrac 5767 Velocity x7 Photo Sling Pack)

This is a super-compact camera bag for when you just want your camera and one lens, plus memory cards and smaller extras.

I’ll often pack this little guy in my suitcase so I can switch out the bigger camera bags for this when I want to pack light – especially if I’m going to be spending the day wandering several miles.

Small fry

I also have the standard camera bags that come with the cameras, but I almost never use them thanks to the bags above.

Extras I’m Considering

I’m addicted to getting new camera stuff – especially bags – and these are ones that I may own in the future.

I mean just look at these rad bags!

Affiliate link spotted in its natural habitat: There are affiliate links in this post, so if you click on them and buy something I get a little sumthin’ at no extra cost to you! I only link to products I really think you’ll love, and usually things I’ve already spent my own money on too!

Looking for telephoto options?

I’ve done a couple reviews of telephoto lenses that aren’t ridiculously expensive, check ’em out.

Opteka 650mm-1300mm DSLR Lens Review

Opteka 420-800mm Telephoto Lens Review with Photos (AND Opteka 650-2600 comparison)